On September 16, 2024, Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested, rocking the music and entertainment industry at large to its core. As one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, his arrest alone was a bombshell, but that paled in comparison to the indictment that followed. The charges against Diddy are shocking and based on alleged criminal activity dating back to 2009, so there’s a lot to uncover there. With all the recent rush of information, it can be difficult to keep up or even understand the extent of the crimes Diddy is being accused of. Here’s a simple breakdown of the Diddy charges to help you stay in the loop:
Racketeering Charges
Racketeering is quite a complex term, but it essentially means running an organized criminal operation. In Diddy's case, prosecutors are saying he ran a group of people who worked together to commit illegal activities over many years. These activities included things like trafficking people for sex, forcing people to work for him without their consent, bribing others to cover up crimes, and even distributing drugs. In other words, the government is accusing Diddy of using his businesses and the people around him to commit a wide array of crimes and cover them up. It’s like he had his own criminal team; Diddy was the boss and people on his payroll or under his influence were helping him run the entire operation.
Sex Trafficking Charges
Diddy is also accused of forcing or tricking people into performing sexual acts for money. Prosecutors say that from 2009 to 2018, Diddy recruited women and made them engage in sexual activities against their will. He allegedly used threats, manipulation, and even drugs to control these women and force them to do what he wanted. This means Diddy has allegedly taken advantage of vulnerable people by using his power, money, and influence, forcing them into sex work.
In addition to the sex trafficking charges, Diddy is also being accused of physical abuse. Prosecutors claim that Diddy has a long history of being violent toward women, dating back to at least 2009. This includes hitting, kicking, and throwing things at them. There is even a video from 2016 that shows Diddy dragging and abusing his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie, in a hotel. Diddy has denied all these accusations, but the physical abuse claims add another layer to the charges he’s facing.
Transportation for Prostitution Charges
Last but not least, Diddy is accused of moving people across state lines, or even to different countries, for the purpose of prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Diddy paid to fly women and male sex workers to wherever he was, so they could take part in what he called "freak offs."
According to prosecutors, “freak offs” parties where Diddy would gather people—some willing, some not—to take part in drug-fueled sexual activities. The indictment says that Diddy and his team planned every detail of these parties, making sure drugs were available and that everything was kept secret afterward. They even had IV fluids on hand to help people recover after days of partying.
Prosecutors also claim that Diddy would film these events without the women’s knowledge, using the videos to control or threaten them later. In some cases, the women say they were tricked into thinking they were in romantic relationships with Diddy, only to be forced into these “freak offs.”
What Does Baby Oil Have to Do with All This?
You’ve probably heard a lot about baby oil in the online chatter about Diddy’s charges. It may seem out of pocket, but it’s not. In March 2024, federal agents conducted raids on Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles as part of the investigation into his alleged sex trafficking and related crimes. During those raids, authorities seized over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, which are described as his “freak off” supplies. Such a large quantity of baby oil paints quite a picture of how extensive and organized the alleged “freak off” parties were.
What Happens Next?
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and his lawyer says they will fight the accusations in court, so a trial is coming. Meanwhile, Diddy will remain at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His lawyers tried to get him released on bail, offering $50 million, but the judge denied it because of the severity of the charges and the risk that Diddy might try to influence witnesses before the trial.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, you can seek help by contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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